It is not known if the thief compassionately responded, but almost 30 hours after the 1.m. theft Friday, Kimberly Atkins of Dover and Benjerman, a 12-year-old black retriever, were reunited after police located them in Barrington.

"He's hungry, he's dirty, but he's very happy to be home," Atkins said.

The vehicle was found at about 5 p.m. Saturday off Route 125 in a swampy area frequented by off-the-road vehicles and dirt bikes. However, police couldn't corral Benjerman, and they had to call Atkins to come get him.

Atkins said the thief cared for Benjerman a little by providing him with some dry cat food. She believes Benjerman ended up drinking some muddy water in the area.

She said they have been together for nearly 11 years after she adopted him from a humane society shelter in Dallas, Texas.

Before Benjerman was found, Atkins and several friends put up fliers all over the city and in Somersworth. They also contacted animal shelters throughout southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

The flier stated there was a reward, and also that the dog needed medication. Any caller could remain anonymous.

Atkins had parked the car outside a hardware store with the keys inside and gone in to rent a carpet cleaner.

"It was 10 minutes and I came out and my vehicle was gone along with Benjerman in broad daylight," Atkins said.

The car thief threw Atkins' wallet and other personal items out of the vehicle before fleeing the scene.